We are excited to share the official rebranding of our organization. What was once known as #defyhatenow South Sudan is now Digital Rights Frontlines (DRF). This change represents a significant evolution in our mission, scope, and commitment to promoting digital rights, combating disinformation, and fostering safer online spaces globally.
A Brief History of #defyhatenow
#defyhatenow South Sudan was initiated in 2014 by r0g_agency for open culture and critical transformation gGmbH (Berlin) in response to the devastating conflict in South Sudan that erupted in late 2013. Social media played a troubling role in fueling hate speech and incitement during this civil unrest, leading to the creation of #defyhatenow as a project dedicated to countering this digital threat.
As the conflict escalated, particularly after 2016, over two million South Sudanese were displaced to neighboring countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan. Recognizing the urgent need to address the evolving challenges, #defyhatenow began facilitating reconciliation dialogues, training diverse stakeholders, and producing vital tools like the South Sudan Hate Speech Lexicon in collaboration with organizations such as PeaceTech Lab.
Operating in an environment plagued by rampant hate speech, misinformation, and limited civic space, #defyhatenow worked tirelessly to empower civil society actors, policymakers, youth leaders, and diaspora communities. Between 2015 and 2018, the project received support from the German Federal Foreign Office through the ifa/zivik program, helping mobilize civic action and mitigate the effects of social media-driven incitement to violence.
In 2019, #defyhatenow South Sudan became an independent organization, marking a new chapter of partnerships and funding from entities such as the European Commission, Meta Inc., Internews, Meedan, Small Media Foundation, and more.
Expanding Our Impact: 211Check, SafetyComm, and Scenius Hub
In 2021, #defyhatenow South Sudan launched two transformative initiatives:
211Check: South Sudan’s first fact-checking platform, which addresses misinformation on critical issues like health, governance, and social welfare. It has grown into a robust initiative empowering communities with accurate, verified information.
SafetyComm: A platform dedicated to combating cyber threats and supporting victims of online harm. Funded by the National Communication Authority, SafetyComm has successfully addressed over 350 incidents, ranging from hacking and cyberbullying to ransomware attacks.
Scenius Hub: is a vibrant youth development hub in Juba, South Sudan. that fosters an environment that cultivates entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation amongst its diverse members.
Meanwhile #defyhatenow global has significantly expanded its mission and operations globally under the leadership of r0g Agency and other partners. From its origins in addressing hate speech and misinformation in South Sudan, #defyhatenow has extended its initiatives to other countries, including Cameroon and Ethiopia, while adapting to the evolving challenges of the digital age.
#defyhatenow South Sudan's rebranding to DRF was necessitated by the need to expand the work to a border focus on promoting digital rights, combating disinformation, and safeguarding individuals' online freedoms across borders.
As Digital Rights Frontlines, the organization continues to advocate for an inclusive and safer digital experience for all. It remains dedicated to addressing hate speech, misinformation, and other digital rights challenges, leveraging its expanded mandate to empower communities, enhance media literacy, and foster cyber safety.
Why Rebrand to Digital Rights Frontlines (DRF)?
The decision to rebrand reflects the need to expand our work beyond South Sudan’s borders. As Digital Rights Frontlines, we aim to tackle broader challenges in the digital landscape, such as safeguarding online freedoms, advancing media literacy, and addressing global disinformation and cyber threats.
The new name emphasizes our position as global leaders in promoting digital rights while reinforcing our frontline role in advocacy, education, and actionable change. Our rebranding also aligns us with the evolving needs of communities across Africa and beyond, allowing us to better respond to the complexities of the digital age.
Looking Forward
As Digital Rights Frontlines, we remain dedicated to fostering inclusive and safer digital experiences for all. From our roots in South Sudan to expanding our initiatives in countries like Cameroon and Ethiopia, we continue to champion the fight against hate speech, misinformation, and online harm.
Our mission has grown, but our core values remain the same: advocating for freedom of expression, enhancing access to reliable information, and empowering communities to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we will continue to create a digital environment that prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and human rights.
Nelson Kwaje
Chairperson, Digital Rights Frontlines (DRF)
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